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Staff: Finial with Female Figure and Child

19th–early 20th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The hierarchical distinction between this seated female and the miniature figure positioned horizontally across her lap is evident through the disparity in scale as well as their body language. The diminutive secondary figure gazes outward and his hands are joined together as if bound. The dominant female grasps a receptacle in her right hand and wears an elaborate necklace of cowries with a massive central bead.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Staff: Finial with Female Figure and Child
  • Date: 19th–early 20th century
  • Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo; Republic of the Congo; Cabinda, Angola
  • Culture: Kongo peoples
  • Medium: Ivory, metal, wood
  • Dimensions: H. 33 3/4 in. (85.7 cm), W. 2 in. (5.1 cm), D. 2 in. (5.1 cm)
  • Classification: Bone/Ivory-Implements
  • Credit Line: Collection of Amy and Elliot Lawrence
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing